Language may be the most powerful tool ever invented to influence
behavior. Language directed inward, or "self-talk," is especially
important in performance situations. Sport psychologists describe
self-talk as thinking, or making internal or external statements.
This dialogue with oneself provides a means of identifying and
solving problems by making perceptions and beliefs conscious. On the
tennis court, the quality of self-talk needs to be carefully
scrutinized to ensure a mental state where optimal performance can
flourish and negativity is extinguished.

The influence of self-talk on performance has been demonstrated
across a variety of sports. Available research indicates that self-talk can improve attentional control (See November, 1995 article) and
create positive expectencies (See January, 1996 article). Positive
self-talk has also been associated with more successful competitive
outcomes whereas negative self-talk is associated with losing and
poorer attentional control. More research is needed, but I am
convinced that self-talk can be used to enhance many of the
psychological techniques previously discussed including arousal
management (September, 1995 article), competitive pressure management
(December, 1995 article), anger management (August, 1996 article),
elimination of fear and choking (November, 1996 article), and
development of the killer instinct (December, 1996 article).

The ensuing tips introduce you to ways of identifying and modifying
self-talk where appropriate. It should be emphasized, however, that
every athlete is a unique individual with internalized beliefs and
assumptions reflected in self-talk. As such, improving self-talk
often takes great insight, effort and persistance. Keep in mind that
the best results are achieved through professional consultation with
a qualified sport psychologist.

Identifying Self-Talk

The content and context of self-talk must be first understood.
As soon as possible following a match, make a list of your thoughts
and self-statements, situations in which they occurred, and
performance consequences.

Engage in imagery to assess your typical thinking and verbal
reactions to a variety of performance situations.

Have someone videotape a tough match with close-ups of your
facial expressions and verbalizations. This will further help you
identify self-talk in various situations.

Place forty paperclips in your right pocket prior to a match.
Each time you make a negative self-statement, transfer one paperclip
to the left pocket. At the end of the match, you may be motivated by
the shock of realizing how many clips have gone to the left side!

Modifying Self-Talk

First determine whether you are really committed to eliminating
negative self-talk. Without a full committment, change for the
better is unlikely.

Interrupt negative self-talk as soon as it occurs with a
positive visual image (e.g., holding up a trophy), phrase (e.g., "I'm
getting better"), or action (e.g., a positively clenched fist).
Negative self-talk often accumulates in a match and it is important
to interupt it before it interrupts you.

Whenever a negative self-statement is made, replace it with a
more constructive version. For example, change "I'm terrible" to "I
love this challenge."

Examine the beliefs underlying the content of your self-talk.
You may discover that many of the assumptions that drive your self-talk are invalid. For example, the belief that you have to win every
match or you are a bad player or poor competitor is simply wrong.
Work on challenging and refuting negative and erroneous beliefs so
that more constructive and postive self-talk emerges.

Your arsenal of mental equipment would be seriously deficient without
the powerful tool of positive self-talk. Identify this dialogue and
make changes where necessary. If people see you talking to yourself,
just tell them you're enjoying the conversation. See you next month...

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Dr. John F. Murray is currently a licensed clinical psychologist and sport psychologist in Florida. In addition, he is a tennis professional (having taught tennis internationally in North America, Hawaii, Europe, Middle East), formerly certified with both USPTA and USPTR. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and masters degrees both in Clinical Psychology and Exercise & Sport Sciences from the University of Florida. He maintains a personal web site at http://www.johnfmurray.com/.

Questions and comments about these columns can be directed to John by using this form.

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